The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as; “A situation in which a seemingly healthy infant, usually between 2 and 6 months old, suddenly stops breathing and dies unexpectedly while asleep (Berger Text pg.5).”  This is meaning full to me due to the impact it has on families across the globe. Unfortunately, many families experience this terrible tragedy and are trying to find answers. On the contrary, there has been a reduction in SIDS due to parents being taught to put babies on their backs to sleep; instead of letting them sleep on their stomachs. Therapist are encouraging parents to have tummy time with their children to strengthen their muscles to fight SIDS. According to Berger, SIDS has reduced in the U.S and Canada but not decreasing as much in New Zealand. There are other factors such as low birth weights, brain abnormalities, soft pillows and blankets and cigarette smoking in the home.

Susan Beal did a study about SIDS deaths in South Australia, finding a correlation between lab skin blankets and smoking (the mother). She also discovered that European babies died from SIDS than babies of Asian descent. She came to the conclusion that Asian families placed their babies on their backs to sleep; thus sleep pattern theory was developed. Personally, I used to work for a program that taught first time parents the importance of infants sleeping on their backs. This information from Susan Beal gave me more information of the research behind infants sleeping on their backs. When I had my first child I was told to have her sleep on her back as well, while being wrapped up tightly. I also had my child use a pacifier; in which also reduces the risk of SIDS. I will continue my research on SIDS in the future, hopefully it will continue to decrease.

 

Reference:

Berger, Text pg. 5